A destructive fungus killing thousands of trees has many homeowners uneasy. Oak wilt can pass from tree to tree through common root systems or through a sap-feeding beetle.
“We’re native Texans and we just love to see them at their best and we don’t want to lose any to oak wilt,” said Charlotte Nazier, a Belton homeowner giving preventative treatments against the fungus.
She called Duncan Brooks, an arborist, for help.
“In red oaks, you need to look for fall color in the wrong time of year. And with live oaks, premature defoliation,” said Brooks.
The leaves have an orange pattern indicative of the fungus.
Brooks says isolating an infected tree by digging trenches is a good first step. Fungicide injections are also effective.
Most live oaks will lose its leaves over a month to six month period after showing signs, while others will survive longer. Red oaks will die within three to four weeks.
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